Samsung Z3: Pros and Cons
Samsung announced the launch of the Z3 smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch Super AMOLED display, Spreadtrum SC7730 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Tizen OS v2.3 operating system. The AMOLED display provides deep blacks, vibrant colors, fast response times. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.
Table of Contents
- Samsung Z3 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Samsung Z3 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Samsung Z3 specifications
| Brand | Samsung |
|---|---|
| Name | Z3 |
| Model | SM-Z300 |
| Release date | 2015 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 4.83 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.57 x 2.76 x 0.31 inch |
| Colors | black, gold, silver |
| SIM type | Micro SIM |
The weight of the Samsung Z3 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Tizen OS v2.3 |
|---|---|
| SoC | Spreadtrum SC7730 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 |
The Samsung Z3 comes with Tizen OS v2.3 out of the box. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Many people consider ARM Mali GPUs a good option for mobile devices.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | Super AMOLED |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
AMOLED displays are famous for their vibrant colors. They also have high contrast and are energy efficient. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Z3 (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP |
You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Z3 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.0 |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This Samsung phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Z3 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 2600 mAh |
|---|
The Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Z3 smartphone has an accelerometer. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Samsung phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- Super AMOLED display
- microSD slot
- Dual SIM support
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no digital compass
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.